Skiing at home: best of the rest

Most dry ski and real snow slopes offer everything from a basic introduction to the skiing/boarding to intensive advanced courses.

There are now three real snow slopes in the UK(Milton Keynes, Castleford and Tamworth) and around 70 dry ski slopes in the UK.

Castleford, West Yorkshire Castleford's three real-snow slopes are part of the Xscape empire being finely tuned by ex-Dome chief Pierre-Yves Gerbeau. Skiers can expect similar high-quality conditions on a par with those offered at Xscape's sister dome in Milton Keynes.

Recreational skiing will set you back £20 an hour during peak times and £16 during off peak periods (after 6pm). A family ticket for two adults and two children under 16 costs £55 peak and £45 off peak.

Ski/board and boot hire are included in the price. Jackets and salopettes can be hired for £5. Bring your own gloves or you'll have to buy them when you arrive.

Tamworth, Staffordshire Another real-snow attraction with long (170metres), wide slopes and good tuition.

Ski lessons cost £27 for adults and £23 for children. Snowboarding costs £29 and £18. If you don't need lessons then peak time skiing(weekends and after 6:15pm week days) costs £22 for adults and £16 for children. Tobogganing, tubing and sledding are also available.